Friday, March 1, 2019

The foods we recommend below have a low Glycemic Index and are high in fibre, helping to control blood glucose levels. Including them in your diet is key to controlling diabetes, and if you are not diabetic they help prevent you from developing it.

1. Sweet potato

Potatoes have a high glycaemic index, which raises blood sugar rapidly, but sweet potatoes have low glycaemic index and are equally nutritious.

In addition, sweet potato meat contains even more fiber than skin, so it's especially good if you have diabetes.

2. Rye bread

Bread is often a "forbidden" food for diabetics because it is rich in simple carbohydrates that immediately raise blood sugar. However...

Rye bread, spelt bread and 100% whole wheat bread have a Glycemic Index below 55, which gradually releases glucose into the blood and does not cause sharp peaks.

3. Apple

With the exception of pineapple and melon, most fruits have a low glycemic index, especially apples and blueberries.

This is due to its high water and fiber content that compensates for its natural sugar (fructose).

Keep in mind that, as fruits ripen, the Glycemic Index (GI) increases. Fruit juices also have a high GI because some of the fiber is removed. So when you make them at home, at least don't strain them and the loss will be less.

4. Oats

Oatmeal has a double advantage:

It has a GI below 55 and contains a type of fiber (beta-glucans), which helps maintain glycemic control by improving insulin sensitivity.

The best thing to do in case of diabetes is to save it. Your flour is also healthy, but should be consumed in small amounts because it is rich in carbohydrates (1 cup contains 28 g of carbohydrates).

5. Nuts

They are very rich in dietary fiber and their GI is reduced.

They are also a source of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, minerals such as potassium and magnesium, and antioxidant vitamins that help improve insulin resistance.

Ideally, nuts should be processed as little as possible. Those with flavorings or coatings have higher GI values.

6. Garlic

The medicinal virtues of garlic have been well known for centuries. In addition, it has been scientifically proven to contain compounds that help improve insulin resistance.

Of course, yogurt must be natural. Sweetened or flavored yogurt contains sugar and sweeteners that should obviously be avoided if you have diabetes.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE GLYCEMIC INDEX IS?

This term is used to measure how quickly carbohydrates from a food pass into the blood as glucose after being digested. Logically, the faster this process takes place, the more sugar peaks are produced and the worse it is for your health.

The glycaemic index of a food can be low, medium or high and is measured with a numerical scale from 0 to 110. The higher this value is, the more glycaemic rises it causes by eating them:

The GI is high if it is greater than 70.

The GI is medium if the value is between 56 and 69.

The GI is low when it ranges from 0 to 55.

Remember that this term only refers to foods that contain carbohydrates.

Sunday, September 30, 2018

The egg is a particularly attractive food to delve into. It is full of nutrients and yet has been demonized for decades because of its high cholesterol and fat content and its unfavorable results in relation to cardiovascular disease in various studies. Although in recent years the stringent restrictions of yesteryear (which were almost banned) have been relaxed to some extent, there is much confusion about the appropriateness of their consumption.

The egg is a cheap food, easy to obtain, which provides a large quantity and variety of proteins and fats (saturated, monounsaturated and poinnsaturated), cholesterol and many vitamins. With regard to cardiovascular risk, many analyses have been carried out depending on how it affects cholesterol levels, but this type of assessment is not very useful. Firstly, because it has been repeatedly demonstrated that the intake of eggs does not usually affect colestrol in blood in most people (not to mention the discrepancies that there are in some circles regarding the levels of cholesterol most recommended by studies such as this). Secondly, because it is more practical to skip the intermediate step of cholesterol and analyze directly what the studies say about its relationship with cardiovascular disease.

It is relatively simple to analyze the short-term effect of eating eggs frequently. Intervention studies show that they are mostly positive. If we refer to the long term, decades ago several researches were carried out that related their intake with an increase in cardiovascular risk. An article like this has even been published recently: Dietary cholesterol and egg yolks: Not for patients at risk of vascular disease in 2010 (it is an opinion-review, not epidemiological) alerting of the risks of eating eggs, with the consequent subsequent discrepant responses (so that they later say that there is scientific consensus).

The problem with old epidemiological studies is that they did not isolate the effect and possible influence of other foods. That is, the increased risk could be caused by the egg, bacon, coffee or butter toast that usually accompanies eggs. Or by any other factor. This is highlighted by the probably best reviews that have been made on the subject and which I strongly recommend reading: A Review of Scientific Research and Recommendations Regarding Eggs (2004) and Egg Consumption and Coronary Heart Disease: An Epidemiologic Overview (2000).

As the methodology of the studies was refined, especially by separating in more detail the influence of different foods, the risk disappeared. It occurred most dramatically in the famous massive 1999 study "A Prospective Study of Egg Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Men and Women," which followed nearly 120,000 people for 14 years. No increased cardiovascular risk was found among people who ate more than one egg a day (although it was found among people with diabetes).

Since then and over the last ten years most studies have reached similar conclusions.

Even in some, such as Egg consumption and CHD and stroke mortality: a prospective study of US adults (2010), analysing some 30,000 people over 6 years, the inverse relationship was found: Eating more eggs reduced the risk.Admittedly, there have also been some who have found some relationship lately. But although they have obtained statistically significant results, these have been small, which reduces their relevance and does not rule out the influence of other variables.

A number of positive results that have been obtained among people with diabetes remain to be clarified. Let us hope that future research will shed light on this.

In conclusion, my view is that there is no compelling evidence that eating eggs is a health risk, and they are an exceptional and affordable nutritional option. As I have said on other occasions, I think it is much more important to eliminate factors with a demonstrated increased risk: stress, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity, refined carbohydrates, alcohol and so on. If you are very prudent, you can limit yourself to one egg a day, as all the most recent and rigorous studies do not find any risk up to this amount. It will be enough for you to watch your usual blood indicators and results to monitor how your body responds and if, as expected, you do not see anything out of the ordinary, you will even be able to increase this amount considerably without any problems.

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Although it seems that a hot chicken soup helps during a flu, there are foods that contain essential nutrients for our defenses. Ingesting them in correct amounts can save us from more than one aversion.

It is well known that what we eat has important and profound effects on our health, from the density of our bones to the performance of our brain. One of the fundamental principles is to provide our immune system with the ability to defend itself against bacterial, fungal and viral attacks. You can follow a "healthy" diet, have a good figure, strong teeth and, at the same time, defenses that defend nothing. Indian physician and researcher Ranjit Chandra of Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, published a study describing the relationship between food and our defenses: "Nutrition is a fundamental factor in the immune response, and malnutrition is one of the most common causes of immunodeficiency in the world. "The three nutrients that play a major role in maintaining a good immune system are selenium, zinc and vitamin B6 (although they are not the only ones, for example iron is also involved, but to a lesser extent).

Selenium in nuts, mushrooms and cod

Why are Spanish farmers a bull? Higher genes? Maybe. Another option may refer to this habit of eating garlic as someone who eats pipes, raw and everything. This food is a good source of selenium, a chemical element of the nonmetals group. In a study published in "The Journal of Nutrition" by researcher John R. Arthur and his team, the Rowett Reseach Institute, explains that "selenium has great potential to influence our immune system. But in the scientific world, getting answers inevitably leads to new questions. John Arthur explains that "only when all the functions of selenoproteins are described will we be able to fully understand their role in maintaining optimal immune function. There are many foods (that we love) that are good sources of selenium. Here are some examples from data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA):

Garlic It contains 14.2 micrograms per 100 g. One third of the recommended daily amount.

Brazil nuts. These are selenium queens by far. 100 grams contain 1,917 micrograms (or almost the same, 2 milligrams), which is equivalent to 3,485.4% of the recommended daily amount.

All are important, but B6 is fundamental

All nuts are appreciated for their nutritional values, more now that fats have lost that reputation for "bad" they had. Pistachios are distinguished among all nuts, not only for their taste (and price), but also for their high vitamin B6 content. One of its functions is to play an important role in the creation of antibodies. For this reason, as explained in his book "Let's buy lies" José Manuel López Nicolás, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) believes that you can advertise a product containing at least 15% vitamin B6 per day. with slogans like "help your defenses" or "help the immune system". Peppers are one of the kings of this vitamin, specifically a characteristic of Mexico, Chile pasilla (named for its dry, raisin-like appearance), but it is not the only one. 100 grams of these foods will provide us with all the vitamin B6 we need:

Salvia This spice is rich in this nutrient, since it contains 2.69 mg.

Spearmint Typical of some gastronomies... and mojito. It contains 2.58 mg, more than enough for our daily lives.

A scarce and fundamental metal for us

Although with cheaper types starting to arrive from distant shores, oysters have traditionally been exclusive to the larger portfolios. Turns out their flavor and texture aren't the only thing special. It is one of the largest known food sources of zinc. Researcher Pamela J. Faker and her team at Michigan State University in the United States published a study in 2000 looking at the relationship between zinc deficiencies and immune system activity and how it affected the human body to restore normal levels of this micronutrient. "The results of more than three decades of work indicate that zinc deficiency causes a rapid decrease in the response of antibodies and immune system cells," says his research.

This makes it clear that a deficiency of this metal can cause us more than one headache. So much so that, in this study, the researcher says that "a lack of zinc in the diet can lead to an increase in the prevalence of opportunistic infections and mortality rates". To avoid these harmful consequences, we can resort to the following foods (per 100 g):

Raw oysters: contain 39.30 mg of zinc, almost 4 times more than the recommended daily amount.

Veal: it is very rich in this nutrient, containing the ribs, for example, 11.49 milligrams.

Pumpkin seeds. They contain 10.30 mg or, in other words, the total daily requirement.

Sesame flour. They cover our needs with 10.70 mg.

A balanced diet must include everything, not only the 'healthy' foods that cause visible effects in the mirror, but also those that really help us in times of need.

Sunday, April 8, 2018

Today I have some delicious chicken avocado burritos filled with juicy chicken, creamy avocado, melted cheese and a spicy salsa verde and sour cream! They are so easy to make, wrap everything up, grill and enjoy! Take care to cover the cheese on the top and bottom of the burrito so that it can melt sticky when grilling.

Friday, April 6, 2018

Vitamin C has been shown to increase iron absorption. One study showed that taking 100 mg of vitamin C with a meal increased iron absorption by 67%.

There are both foods that increase the absorption of iron and foods that inhibit its assimilation. Did you know that only a small amount of iron in the diet is actually assimilated? If you have iron deficiency and you are looking to increase its absorption, you are in the right place.

In addition, we remind you that sufficient consumption and proper use of this mineral by our body is essential for a healthy and active life.

What is iron and how much to consume?

Iron is a mineral that intervenes in the formation of hemoglobin, the proteins of muscles and bones and the transport of oxygen to tissues. A lack of iron can cause iron deficiency anaemia, the symptoms of which are: tiredness, palpitations, lack of concentration and paleness of the skin.

Cracks in the lips, headaches, dizziness and weakness in the hair and nails also sometimes appear. The amount of iron that a person should consume will depend on the sex and the physiological stage in which he is.

Generally speaking, women in the fertile stage should consume about 18 mg of iron a day, as well as pregnant women and nursing mothers.

For women over 50 and adult men, the recommendations drop to 10 mg of iron per day.

Types of iron in foods: heme and non-heme iron

Minerals are found naturally in foods that have not been handled. Iron is more easily absorbed from food of animal origin in its form associated with the heme group, in meat and fish where its absorption is 15-25%.

On the other hand, its non-heme form, which is the form coming from vegetable foods such as vegetables, seeds and nuts, is absorbed at a rate of 4-8%. The only non-heme iron food that has an absorption rate of 50% is breast milk.

How to increase iron absorption from foods

Good iron absorption will depend on diet. In this way, some foods improve the body's ability to absorb iron. Among them the following:

1. Foods rich in vitamin C

Vitamin C is good for anemia. When consumed together with foods rich in non-hemo iron, it causes the absorption of iron to increase greatly, between two and three times more.

This is because the action of citric acid reduces iron from its ferric form to its ferrous form which is much easier to absorb. Therefore, by improving iron absorption, we can say that vitamin C is useful in preventing iron deficiency anemia.

Vitamin C has been shown to increase iron absorption. One study showed that taking 100 mg of vitamin C with a meal increased iron absorption by 67%. We found them in:

Foods such as citrus

Green leafy vegetables

Peppers

Melons

Strawberries

2. Foods with vitamin A and beta-carotene

Vitamin A plays a key role in maintaining healthy vision, bone growth and the immune system. Beta-carotene is a pigment found in plants and fruits that can be transformed into vitamin A by the body. Good sources of beta-carotene are:

Carrots.

Sweet potatoes.

Spinach and kale.

Pumpkin.

Red peppers.

Melon.

Apricots, oranges and peaches.

A study of 100 people fed cereals found that the presence of vitamin A increased iron absorption by up to 200% with rice, 80% with wheat, and 140% with corn. However, the addition of beta-carotene increased it by more than 300% when ingesting rice and by 180% in the case of wheat and maize.

3. Meat, fish and poultry

Meat, fish and poultry not only provide iron, but can also stimulate the absorption of non-heme iron. Science indicates that the addition of meat, chicken or fish to a cereal-based meal absorbed 2 to 3 times as much non-heme iron.

On these facts, science estimated that 1 gram of meat, fish or poultry provides a potentiating effect similar to that of 1 mg of vitamin C.

4. Group B Vitamins

B vitamins are also a good way to get the body to absorb more iron. Along with them, folic acid is a great ally, which is why it is highly recommended during pregnancy.

These substances can be found in foods such as whole grains and many varieties of fruits and vegetables. It is a nutrient that should not be missing in our diet, and not only because it is a good iron fixer, but to help us maintain tissues in perfect condition.

Finally, for a correct absorption of iron we must know how to combine them with foods that enhance their effects through a balanced and varied diet.

Monday, March 5, 2018

While this recipe is probably fairly similar to what you may do on a traditional burger. Because ground turkey often contains less fat than ground beef you want to make sure not to overcook the burger as it is easier to dry out than beef. You will however want to make sure to that the inside is cooked through because it is poultry after all and you want to eat a safe burger. I believe 160 degrees is the temperature but I do not check with a thermometer, after a while you can just tell when they are done. I hope you enjoy it. Keep your eye out for other unique and interesting burger ideas to try.

Ingredients

1 pound of ground turkey

4 whole-grain buns

4 tablespoons of seasoned breadcrumbs

tablespoons of onion (diced)

2 tablespoons of parsley (chopped)

4 slices of tomato

4 slices of red onion

2 lettuce leaves (halved)

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce

4 tablespoons of ketchup

Salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions

To begin on your grilled turkey burger recipe, use a large bowl to mix together the ground turkey, seasoned bread crumbs, parsley, chopped onion, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. My wife prefers fresh bread crumbs although I like them dry. Mix well and divide the mixture into four equal portions. Form these portions into patties.

Use a charcoal grill to prepare a hot fire. Alternatively, you can use a gas grill which is how I often do it. If you have a George Foreman grill - even better.

Lightly coat your cooking surface with Pam or a similar spray, away from your heat source. Place your cooking rack about five inches away from the heat.

Next, grill your burgers until they are browned well on both sides. I normally do mine for about seven minutes on each side to ensure that they are heated through.

You may then serve your turkey burgers on buns topped with one slice of tomato, onion, half a lettuce leaf, along with a dollop of ketchup. If you feel that you require more enhancements, you may add a 1/2 cup of finely chopped red bell pepper like my wife does.

Friday, February 23, 2018

Food additives are substances added during the processing or making of a certain food in order to preserve flavors and freshness and enhance taste and appearance.

Although some of them have been used for centuries, the use of certain food additives is becoming really widespread and some of them are extremely dangerous for your health, I would say toxic even.

I'm not talking about the once-in-a-while consumption of a certain processed food containing additives, which can't harm anyone. I am talking about daily use. Statistics show that the average American spends about 90% of his/her budget on this kind of food; which means that if you open an American fridge or look up on the shelves you'll find tons of canned, dehydrated, artificial or processed stuff, which is extremely unhealthy, and its persistent consumption can cause health problems.

Typically these food ingredients are very difficult to identify, both for the variety of names and codes they're labelled with and the very minuscule fonts used to lists them on the ingredient list.

Here is the list of the top 10 toxic ingredients.

Go get your detective glass and start reading labels!

1) HFCS - High Fructose Corn Syrup

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is a highly-refined artificial sweetener made from corn starch and found in almost all processed food such as: bread and baked goods, salad dressing, candies, yogurt, soda etc. And according to some studies has become the number one source of calories in the US.

Indeed, its easy handling and cheap cost made it the number one granulated sugar replacement: The amount of refined sugar we consume has declined over the past 40 years, while we're consuming almost 20 times as much HFCS.

HFCS is linked with weight gaining, it increases your LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels, and contributes to the development of diabetes and tissue damage, among other harmful effects.

Also, recent researches published by the American Association for Cancer Research found that the fructose in HFCS promotes cancer growth, specifically pancreatic cancer.

2) Sodium Nitrate & Sodium Nitrite (NaNO3- NaNO2)

Both of them are chemical compound used as a food additive to preserve and give to cured meats, smoked fish and poultry a nice red pinkish color. Although their purpose seems harmless, these ingredients are highly carcinogen and their consume is linked with gastrointestinal cancer and heart diseases.

In fact, under certain conditions, they can form nitrosamines compounds, molecules that cause cancer in animals and humans.

Also, in massive doses, nitrite - and nitrate, which under some conditions changes to nitrite - can lead to a condition called methemoglobinemia. In our body, nitrites, indeed, have the ability to change the structure of the hemoglobin into methemoglobin: the binding of oxygen to whom results in an increased affinity for oxygen in the remaining heme sites. This leads to an overall reduced ability of the red blood cell to release oxygen to tissue and it may occur in tissue hypoxia.

Can't give up on eating salami, bacon or ham? Choose the uncured ones.

Sodium Nitrate is listed under its INS number 251 or E number E251, Sodium Nitrite has the E number E250.

3) MSG - Monosodium Glutammate

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer commonly added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats. While the Glutamic acid is naturally present in our bodies, and in many foods, such as tomatoes and cheese, the ones exploited by the processed-foods industry is chemically produced through hydrolysis of vegetable proteins with hydrochloric acid to disrupt peptide bonds or by the fermentation of starch, sugar beets, sugar cane or molasses.

The substance produced has the ability to excite our taste buds and make everything taste delicious, which wouldn't be a big deal if it hasn't been shown that high levels of MSG can seriously screw with brain chemistry causing damage to areas of the brain unprotected by the blood-brain barrier.

4) Artificial Colors

Food dyes are one of the most common ingredients in processed food used with the purpose to make your meals or drinks more desirable and appealing.

Nothing against that if they wouldn't have been linked to some serious health problems.

Blue #1 and Blue #2 (E133)

Banned in Norway, Finland, and France. May cause chromosomal damage.

Found in candy, cereal, soft drinks, sports drinks and pet foods.

Red dye #3 (also Red #40 - a more current dye) (E124)

Banned in 1990 after 8 years of debate from use in many foods and cosmetics. This dye continues to be on the market until supplies run out! Has been proven to cause thyroid cancer and chromosomal damage in laboratory animals, may also interfere with brain-nerve transmission.

Banned in Norway and Sweden. Increases the number of kidney and adrenal gland tumors in laboratory animals, may cause chromosomal damage.

Found in American cheese, macaroni and cheese, candy and carbonated beverages, lemonade and more! (source Food Matters website)

The slogan "Eat the Rainbow" is still cool but go natural, please!

5) BHA & BHT

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), also listed with the label of E320, and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are two organic compound widely used by the food industry as preservatives due to their antioxidants proprieties as they can prevent rancidification of food containing fats.

Although declared safe from FDA, The U.S. National Institutes of Health reported that they may form cancer - cause reactive compounds in our body potentially leading to cancer.

Also, they can disturb your hormone and neurological system.

BHA is in tons of food: pick up a bag of chips, a box of cereal, a package of frozen sausages or simply eat a gum, and you have a high probability to find BHA and or BHT (or even worse, both of them) in the ingredients list.

6) Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial Sweeteners are sugar substitute used to give some sweet taste to drinks of food without all the calories of sucrose.

Aspartame, known also as NutraSweet, Equal and codified ad E951, is the most famous one. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar, but its effect on the human body is not as sweet as it tastes: is a neurotoxin and carcinogen.

Some studies claim that is the most dangerous substance on the market, with a wide range of health effects ranging from mild problem such as memory issues, headache and dizziness, to more serious ones, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, fibromyalgia, and emotional disorders.

7) Sulfur Dioxide

Sulfur Dioxide is a chemical compound with antimicrobial and antioxidants proprieties, used as a preservative for dried fruits such as dried apricot, raisins and prunes and added to fruit juices, cereal bars, breakfast cereal to prevent discoloration, ripening, and rotting.

Checking food labels for it, and for sulfites in general, with numbers in the range E220-228, is helpful; however, companies are required to list it only if there are more than 10 parts per million (ppm) in the finished product.

Whilst harmless to healthy persons when used in recommended concentrations, it can induce asthma and respiratory problem when ingested by sensitive subjects, even in high dilution.

It also destroys vitamins B1 and E.

8) Trans Fats

"Trans fats, or trans-unsaturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids, are a type of unsaturated fat that occur in small amounts in nature, but became widely produced industrially from vegetable fats for use in margarine, snack food, packaged baked goods and frying fast food starting in the 1950s. Trans fat has been shown to consistently be associated, in an intake-dependent way, with increased risk of coronary artery disease, a leading cause of death in Western nations."

As matter of facts, Trans fats have the power to increase LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, while decreasing the amount of HDL (the good one) in our bodies. Trans fat is abundant in fast food restaurants. Here is a list of health issues linked to a high consume of trans fats: Alzheimer's disease, coronary artery disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, liver dysfunctions, infertility, depression, deficit in memory.

Keep them in mind while you're enjoying your fries!

9) Sodium Benzoate

Sodium Benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and it's famous for the anti-fungal proprieties.

Pick up a soda can and you'll surely find it as an ingredient (E211). Indeed, it is heavily used by the soft drink industry, and not only in that. This chemical compound it is primarily added to acidic foods such as prickles, sauces, vinegars in order to enhance their flavor.

When mixed with ascorbic acid (well known as Vitamin C), Sodium Benzoate create an unfortunate side effect: it forms benzene known as a potent carcinogen, which contribute to the formation of many different types of cancer.

10) Potassium Bromate

Last but not least, Potassium Bromate, used in the Unites States, as a flours additive to improve elasticity and strength of the dough and allow it to rise higher.

In 1999, the International Agency on Research for Cancer declared that potassium bromate was a possible human carcinogen. Since that, it has been banned in a number of country including Europe and Canada, but not in the United Stated, where studies have found it in more that 86 baked goods found on supermarket shells.

Check out your bread, rolls, French toast or pastry dough before buying. Please!

Friday, January 19, 2018

When I was in my early 20's I was diagnosed with Graves Disease or Hyperthyroidism. This diagnoses took three different doctors to figure out why my energy was so low and why I was gaining weight even though I ate like a bird. I was so uncomfortable with myself and probably wasn't thinking very well either. Thankfully, while getting a pap smear a nurse recognized my problem and sent me to an Internal Medical Doctor. I was given three options to get healthy.

Cut out my enlarged thyroid

Have radiation treatments

Take a little white pill with a long name

I chose the little white pill and managed to get well through sheer will. However, Two years passed before I totally felt myself again and was told because of the type of condition I had, there was a 50/50 chance I would relive this disease. Then and there, I started learning about a more natural way to stay healthy.

I believe stress was a major player on why I contracted this disease in the first place. I was in an abusive marriage and working for a very toxic company. But, I did heal or so I thought. Throughout the years, I have had lots of PMS. Nothing too severe but I never did have regular menstrual cycles and I believe it had to do with the condition of my thyroid. I started a regime of vitamins, bodywork, (massage, Jin Shin Jyutsu- form of acupressure) soaking in hot springs, etc. All this helped tremendously.

However, about 3 years ago, my upper lip started swelling and I wasn't even injecting Botox! My poor lip did not feel good at all. Fortunately, I found Chia Seeds through Mike Adam's newsletter on natural news and ordered a package. Within a few weeks, my top lip normalized and I was able to apply lipstick again without my lip burning. But, other benefits emerged from taking this tiny seed that I never would have imagined. My complexion cleared, my energy levels stabilized and my appetite leveled off.

Below, I describe even more benefits of this forgotten food. Perhaps, it can help you also on your path to wellness.

Chia seeds contain more than 60% Omega-3 fatty acids and have the highest percentage of Omega-3 of any commercially available source, according to Dr. Wayne Coats, perhaps the world's foremost educator on Chia seeds.

Remember Chia pets? This is the same material, only you won't be growing a plant. I only ask you to soak the seeds in water and watch them swell. The seeds are tasteless and odorless and therefore won't go rancid, are easy to store, easy to use, and are not contaminated with pesticides, chemicals or heavy metals. Add one tablespoon chia into an eight-ounce glass of water or juice, let sit about five minutes, stir, and drink. Chia turns into a gel, which can be added to jams, jellies, peanut butter, milkshakes, nut spreads, smoothies, hot or cold cereals, yogurt, mustard, catsup, tartar sauce, barbecue sauces or anything else you can think of.

This is an ancient food source recently rediscovered that was known for its endurance. "Chia" is the Mayan word for strength. Chia seeds had been a staple for the American Native people for centuries (long before the Chia Pet hit the market). The Aztecs considered it to be extremely valuable for healing - from cleaning the eyes to helping heal wounds, topically, to relieving joint pain and so on. Aztec warriors would eat chia during hunting trips, and the Indians of the Southwest would eat only chia seed mixed with water as they ran from the Colorado River to the Pacific Ocean to trade products.

These tiny black seeds contain large amounts of B vitamins and calcium. In roughly two ounces of chia (100 grams), there are 600 milligrams of calcium, contrasted with 120 milligrams of calcium in the same amount of milk. That's five times as much calcium than milk!

Chia also contains boron which aids in the metabolism of calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus for bones and muscle growth. Since our nation's soil is so boron depleted, we simply are not getting enough of this mineral in our daily diets. Boron also can increase the levels of natural estrogen.

Chia seeds gel-forming property is a dieter's dream because the seeds slows digestion and sustains balanced blood sugar levels, which can be helpful in preventing or controlling Diabetes. Water-soaked chia seeds are easily digested which results in rapid transport of chia nutrients to the tissues for use by the cells.

For the dieter, this means feeling full with no more peaks and valleys in blood sugar levels. Because the Chia seed produces a thick mucilage in water, it absorbs up to 30 times its weight in water. This means that once its in the body, debris from the intestinal walls flakes off to be eliminated efficiently and regularly. A daily dose of chia seed provides an excellent fiber source and most people notice a different in less than a week.

More Reasons to Eat Chia

2 times the protein of any other seed or grain

2 times the amount of potassium as bananas

3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries

3 times more iron than spinach

One woman reportedly manages her Acid Reflux with chia because of the highly absorbent properties. She swallows a Tsp of dry seeds with just a little water. Then drinks a glass of water a few minutes later, so the seeds can do their job of absorbing the acid in her stomach. It is necessary to drink enough water after taking the chia because if there isn't enough liquid in your stomach, the seed will draw from the tissues instead. By allowing the seeds to first absorb the acid and drinking more water, this woman is able to very simply, effectively and cheaply handle her condition.

I've been incorporating at least two tablespoons of chia seed into my diet everyday. The gray in my hair has diminished and the original color is resurfacing, I no longer have numbness in my fingers when I wake up in the middle of the night, my fingernails are noticeably harder and aren't chipping or breaking any longer, the swelling of my top lip is no longer an issue and I am not experiencing any hot flash symptoms. Need I say more?

Other medical conditions Chia Seeds may relieve:

Celiac disease

Depression

Headaches - Are you tired of those constant migraines?

Heart Attacks

IBS

Lowers cholesterol - no cholesterol

Lyme Disease

High blood pressure

Panic Attacks

Chia is a valuable nutrient for your pets too! This tiny black seed isn't just for people; dogs, cats and even horses will benefit by the elements found in this seed. I can attest to that. My 11 year tabby cat has had an intestinal problem since she was young, but since I have been adding 1/4 teaspoon mixed into her food, she no longer vomits after every meal. Which is nice to not have to clean up.

Isn't it time to introduce Chia seeds into your diet for a healthier you? Your local health food store may carry Chia Seeds however, I found them less expensive online.

And one more note about Chia Pets. Even though Chia seeds are too sticky for conventional sprouting jars, they do sprout very easily when spread out on earthenware. The Mexicans have long made earthenware in the shapes of Chia Pets, and yes, you can eat the sprouts that grow on the Chia Pet. They taste like watercress (but better), and are full of vitamins and minerals, just like the seeds.